What did you think of this episode?

Are you ready to build a following that thrives? Kathi Lipp is here to share tips for writers on how you can grow your fan base.

Welcome to Your Best Writing Life, an extension of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference held in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of NC. I’m your host, Linda Goldfarb. Each week, I bring tips and strategies from writing and publishing industry experts to help you excel in your craft.

My industry expert is Kathi Lipp. Kathi is the Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author of 20 books, including The Accidental Homesteader, An Abundant Place: Daily Retreats for the Woman Who Can’t Get Away, Overwhelmed, and Clutter Free. As a writing and marketing coach, she is also the host of the Writing at the Red House Podcast. She runs both The Writing at the Red House Retreats and The Red House Writers Collective – a writing program that helps authors develop their writing, their platform, and their business. 

Kathi lives on her Red House mini homestead with her husband Roger, a dog, and eight chickens, where she holds cozy writer retreats for content creators.

• Many authors and content creators struggle with the idea of "niching down." Given your focus on specific topics like clutter and homesteading, what are your thoughts on the importance of finding a niche? 
• What role has social media played in growing your audience? Do you have any platform-specific strategies that have proven particularly effective? 
• How do you balance the fine line between providing valuable free content and promoting paid products like your books? 

LINKS
Kathi Lipp
Kathi's book - The Accidental Homesteader
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKathiLipp
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/kathilipp

Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your host - Linda Goldfarb
#1 Podcast in the "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers in 2024".

Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast

What did you think of this episode?

Are you taking advantage of YouTube? Listen in as Linda Goldfarb and Annette Reeder provide practical YouTube tips to help you expand your writing reach.

In this much-sought-after encore episode, Linda's industry expert is Annette Reeder, the Biblical Nutritionist. It was a summer evening on the lawn of a camp meeting that God called Annette into missions. Today, without getting on a plane or traveling through the bush, she is sharing the Gospel around the globe via YouTube – to over 125 countries and more than 20 million viewers, with over 480,000 subscribers.

During our episode, Annette and I discuss the following:

• Why writers should consider doing a YouTube channel.
• How to get started?
• Does it pay to be on YouTube?
• How do you do YouTube for fiction and non-fiction?
• How does YouTube grow my audience?

Check out: 

• These amazing freebies from Annette Reeder 
• Annette Reeder on YouTube
• More about Annette Reeder
• The Biblical Nutrition Academy

Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your host - Linda Goldfarb
#1 Podcast in the "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers in 2024".

Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast

What did you think of this episode?

Book trailers can boost your author platform. In this encore episode, Shannon Redmon and Linda Goldfarb discuss how writers can create book trailers. 

Welcome to Your Best Writing Life, an extension of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference held in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of NC. I’m your host, Linda Goldfarb. Each week, I bring tips and strategies from writing and publishing industry experts to help you excel in your craft. I’m so glad you’re listening in. During this highly ranked encore episode, you’ll learn five tips to thrive as a writer.

Please welcome, Shannon Redmon. Shannon remembers the first grown-up book she checked out from the neighborhood bookmobile. A Victoria Holt novel with romance, intrigue, dashing gentlemen, and ballroom parties captivated her attention. For her mother, the silence must have been a pleasant break from non-stop teenage chatter, but for Shannon, those stories whipped up a desire and passion for writing.  She is a Publishers Weekly bestselling author, and her greatest hope is for her stories to immerse readers into a world of suspense and escape while encouraging faith, hope, and love in Christ.   She has six books published by Harlequin's Love Inspired Suspense line—Cave of Secrets, Secrets Left Behind, Mistaken Mountain Abduction, Christmas Murder Cover-up, Unraveling Killer Secrets, and Mountain Murder Threat.​​

Shannon is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency. 

In this episode, you will learn the basics about Book Trailers 

• Types of Software to Use for Videos 
• What not to do 
• Where to find audio clips and licensing
• Where to find video clips and licensing
• Tips for writing scripts

LINKS
Shannon Redmon
Sign up for The Jail Cell  

Shannon's Giveaway - Book Trailers PDSF Download

Shannon Redmon on Facebook

Examples of Book Trailers https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLljAN23iRPFrZzAJxWcnD0FbWhZbQ3hLR

Shannon Redmon's Books
DaVinci Resolve 17

Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your host - Linda Goldfarb
#1 Podcast in the "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers in 2024".

Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast

What did you think of this episode?

Learn how using fiction for kingdom causes can improve your writing.

Welcome to Your Best Writing Life, an extension of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference held in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of NC. I’m your host, Linda Goldfarb. Each week, I bring tips and strategies from writing and publishing industry experts to help you excel in your craft. I’m so glad you’re listening in. During this highly ranked encore episode, you’ll learn how to incorporate biblical themes to enhance your writing.

My industry expert is Heather Norman Smith - Heather is the author of Christian Fiction set in her home state of North Carolina. Her goal is to entertain and encourage readers while illuminating the redemptive love of God. She lives just outside Winston-Salem, NC, with her husband, their four children, and several pets.

Today we discuss:

• What do you mean by “Kingdom causes”?
• In addition to the gospel, what are some Biblical themes Fiction writers utilize to build a story? Biblical references: James 1:27, Psalm 139:13-14, Hebrews 13:3, Proverbs 19:37
• How does focusing on spiritual themes help you as a writer?
• What advice do you have for a Fiction writer who gets stuck in their writing?
• How do you incorporate spiritual themes organically into a story?

LINKS
Heather Norman Smith
Timeout for Jesus Download
Songs for Sunday Book

If you enjoy Your Best Writing Life’s content- consider a monthly donation through Patreon. Support Your Best Writing Life podcast.

About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides hosting Your Best Writing Life, Linda Goldfarb is a multi-published, award-winning author, audiobook narrator, international speaker, board-certified Christian life coach, co-owner, and co-founder of the LINKED® Personality System and co-author of the LINKED® Quick Guide to Personality series. Linda also hosts the Staying REAL About Faith & Family podcast - Check it out!

Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your host - Linda Goldfarb
#1 Podcast in the "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers in 2024".

Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast

What did you think of this episode?

First-time writers, learn from the best. Larry J. Leech II shares five tips to help writers be successful.

Welcome to Your Best Writing Life, an extension of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference held in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of NC. I’m your host, Linda Goldfarb. Each week, I bring tips and strategies from writing and publishing industry experts to help you excel in your craft. I’m so glad you’re listening in. During this highly ranked encore episode, you’ll learn five tips to thrive as a writer.

Writing coach to award-winning authors, Larry J. Leech II, has spent over forty years writing and editing.

He began his career as a sportswriter in southwestern Pennsylvania, where he covered prep sports and the Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers. In 2004, Larry transitioned to writing and editing, having published over 2,300 articles and conducted more than 13,000 interviews.

Since that time, he has ghostwritten 30 books, edited more than 400 manuscripts, and coached hundreds of authors through the writing and publication process.

For over a decade, Larry has taught at numerous general market and inspirational conferences across the nation. You can find him online on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Larry shares with Linda:

• Common mistakes writers make when starting their careers
•  How to rectify mistakes before they ruin your writing
• Why each writer needs to get connected, be a sponge, be a rewriter, market, market, market, and think like a publisher.  

LINKS

• Contact Larry J. Leech II
• Larry's Terrible 30 - Words to eliminate
• Writer's Digest

Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your host - Linda Goldfarb
#1 Podcast in the "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers in 2024".

Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast

What did you think of this episode?

Today’s guest will help us recognize and benefit from genuine engagement. 

Welcome to Your Best Writing Life, an extension of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference held in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of NC. I’m your host, Linda Goldfarb. Each week, I bring tips and strategies from writing and publishing industry experts to help you excel in your craft. I’m so glad you’re listening in. During this episode, you’ll learn how to stop wasting your time "trying" to engage on social media, with the help of The Engagement Blueprint.

My industry expert is Teresa Janzen. Teresa empowers individuals to break free from their ruts and discover peace, purpose, and passion in their work, life, and relationships. She is an award-winning author, international speaker, certified emotional health coach, and editor-in-chief at Abundance Books.

Teresa, welcome to Your Best Writing Life!

How to Recognize and Utilize REAL Online Engagement

1. You teach that online engagement is more than just getting likes or shares.
   1. What does ‘real engagement’ look like?
2. What is the main reason it is so difficult to engage with people on social media?
3. You talk about shifting from a platform mindset to a community mindset.
   1. Why is that especially important for Christian communicators today?

Listener giveaway…The Engagement Blueprint download

Click here for the Christian Creative Community.

Click here for author resources and submission info.

https://www.Abundance-books.com

Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your host - Linda Goldfarb
#1 Podcast in the "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers in 2024".

Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast

What did you think of this episode?

Linda Goldfarb and Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith offer tips and strategies to help non-fiction writers build their platform.

Linda's industry expert, Dr. Saundra, is a Board-Certified internal medicine physician, speaker, and award-winning author. She is an international well-being thought-leader featured in numerous media outlets, including Prevention, MSNBC, Women’s Day, FOX, Fast Company, Psychology Today, INC, CNN Health, and TED.com. She is the author of numerous books, including her bestseller, Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity, which offers insight into the seven types of rest needed to optimize productivity, increase overall happiness, overcome burnout, and live your best life. Over 250,000 people have discovered their rest deficits using her free assessment at RestQuiz.com. Dr. Saundra, it's great to have you back on Your Best Writing Life.

In this encore episode on growing a Non-fiction platform, Dr. Saundra and Linda discuss five ways you can build your platform with or without a published book.

 Are you concerned about coming across as overly salesy to your readers? No worries, they discuss how to effectively promote your book and the ideal platform size to aim for to achieve publishing success.

LINKS

• Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith
• Take the Rest Quiz
• Get your copy of Sacred Rest
• Enjoy our content? Support Your Best Writing Life podcast
• Visit Your Best Writing Life website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
• Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
• Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb

Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your host - Linda Goldfarb
#1 Podcast in the "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers in 2024".

Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast

What did you think of this episode?

Finding the right endorsers for your book is possible!

If you have endorsers, are they the right fit for your book? Today’s encore episode shares six essential tips for finding and leveraging the best endorsements for your book. 

Welcome to Your Best Writing Life, an extension of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference held in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. I’m your host, Linda Goldfarb. Each week, I bring tips and strategies from experts in the writing and publishing industry to help you excel in your craft. I’m so glad you’re listening in; during this highly praised encore episode, you’ll learn the … Top Six Tips to Find and Use Book Endorsements.

My industry expert is… Ginny Brant. Ginny is a speaker and writer who grew up in our nation’s capital. Her award-winning book, Finding True Freedom, was endorsed by Chuck Colson. Her recent book, Unleash Your God-given Healing, has won five awards. Both books received media interviews nationwide. Ginny has also written over 200 articles. 

Ginny shares her Top Three Tips to Locate Endorsers

and her Top Three Tips to Leverage Endorsements :

1. Endorsers can be used to validate and market a book. 
2. Choose endorsers who bring different perspectives to your book’s message. 
3. Be intentional in who you choose to write the forward. 

LINKS

Listener giveaway - Free tips for Reducing Risk for Breast Cancer  www.ginnybrant.com/unleash

Unleash Your God-Given Healing: Eight Steps to Prevent and Survive Cancer

https://www.amazon.com/Unleash-Your-God-Given-Healing-Prevent/dp/1973688123/      

Finding True Freedom, From the White House to the World https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Freedom-White-House-World/dp/1936143097 

You can find out more about Ginny Brant

 www.ginnybrant.com 

https://www.facebook.com/ginny.d.brant/ 

 https://www.instagram.com/ginnydentbrant/    

 https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginny-brant-aa5153a/ 

Ginny Brant's Books:

https://www.amazon.com/Unleash-Your-God-Given-Healing-Prevent/dp/1973688123/

https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Freedom-White-House-World/dp/1936143097 

Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your host - Linda Goldfarb
#1 Podcast in the "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers in 2024".

Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast

What did you think of this episode?

Are you writing based on popular opinion or by God’s design? Today’s guest shares tips to help you write based on your uniqueness. 

Welcome to Your Best Writing Life, an extension of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference held in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of NC. I’m your host, Linda Goldfarb. Each week, I bring tips and strategies from writing and publishing industry experts to help you excel in your craft. I’m so glad you’re listening in. During this episode, you’ll learn how to write the Way God Designed You to write.

My industry expert is Heather Greer. Heather is a multi-published author, including three Selah Award finalists. In her fiction writing, Heather creates characters who live their faith, one story at a time. In addition to fiction, Heather writes and speaks to encourage authors to write with passion, equipped to experience the success God has for them. Her latest book, You Write You: Freedom for the God-designed Writer in You, is available where books are sold.  

How to Write the Way God Designed You to Write

1. What does finding freedom for the God-created writer in you mean? 

2. If a writer’s personality traits and circumstances don’t fit or work well with the current writing styles, tools, and rules, does that mean they are destined to fail?  

3. Does this mean writers are free to toss out any ideas, tools, or methods they don’t like and still write well? 

You can learn more about Heather below.

Heather Greer Website 

Heather Greer’s book You Write You

Heather Greer Newsletter Sign Up 

Heather Greer, Amazon Author Central 

Heather Greer on Facebook 

Heather Greer on Instagram 

Heather Greer on Pinterest 

Heather Greer on X 

Heather Greer on Linktree

Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your host - Linda Goldfarb
#1 Podcast in the "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers in 2024".

Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast

What did you think of this episode?

Are you ready to act as your own developmental editor to ensure your story is cohesive, engaging, and effective? Today’s guest has tips for fiction and nonfiction writers. 

Welcome to Your Best Writing Life, an extension of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference held in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of NC. I’m your host, Linda Goldfarb. Each week, I bring tips and strategies from writing and publishing industry experts to help you excel in your craft. I’m so glad you’re listening in. During this episode, you’ll learn how to Dress Up Your Story with Tips and Tricks from a Developmental Editor for Fiction and Nonfiction.

My guest today is Stephanie Miller. Stephanie is a certified Spiritual Growth and Writing Coach, a two-time international best-selling author, and the founder of Butterfly Beginnings Coaching. Through coaching, editing, and workshops, she helps faith-filled writers overcome fear, find their voice, and transform their writing. Stephanie empowers authors to confidently pursue their God-given calling.

 Alright, let’s head into our content for today… Developmental Self-editing for BOTH Fiction and Nonfiction

The WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY, HOW of writing fiction and nonfiction, and how it relates to dressing up and picking out clothes from your closet.

      FICTION:

Writing your story is like picking your outfit

Know WHERE you're going (genre and audience expectations)

Know WHAT you need to include

Know WHY you are including content (plot-driven or character-driven). 

Know HOW to accessorize wisely. (dialogue, backstory, rich sensory detail, etc...)

     NONFICTION:

Writing your story is like picking your outfit

Know WHERE you're going (identify your clear theme and main points)

Know WHO is going to be there (your audience, what do they need to hear?) Think about the type of people who will resonate most with your message.

Know WHY you are including content (inform, inspire, entertain).

Know HOW you're going to get there (describe the journey). 

Listener giveaway- Description of the Book Sketch/Transformation Tale (Hero’s journey)  www.butterfly-beginnings.com/booksketch

LINKS

www.butterfly-beginnings.com

https://liveandwritetransformed.substack.com

www.instagram.com/stephaniemillercoach

www.facebook.com/stephaniemillercoach

Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your host - Linda Goldfarb
#1 Podcast in the "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers in 2024".

Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast